BMW Z1: is this the perfect car to really ‘feel the road’? | Top Gear RETROspective

Meet the BMW Z1, the very first of BMW’s Z cars. A two-seat roadster with a retractable soft-top and a traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout. But that was where the tradition stopped. And that’s because the Z1 was actually one of the most forward-thinking cars ever made. It also had ace doors. But let Top Gear Magazine's Jack Rix tell you more as part of our new retro mini-series…

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[sparky]

Nice to see a BMW with an elegant grille.

[metadata]

The Z4M will always have a special place for me, the last BMW that was as analog as a 90s car but with enough power and grip to keep up with the cool kids today.

[greggsmith]

You can achieve anything you put your mind to, you just have to take the first step.

[Its_Cider]

I started working for BMW in 1992 in London, driving the Z1 was amazing and you got the looks wherever you drove. To this day I still like the Z1 and wished I had the money to buy one.

[venom]

My dad's friend had a white one when I was a kid, to this day I am still in awe of it, still the coolest thing ever seeing those doors go up and down. I would love to have one today.

[cvzn]

Whoever is directing the reviews of late is doing a stellar job. Definitely a step up from before and the production is unique compared to all the other channels.

[RasheedKhan-hexx]

The thing about this car is, I can remember with absolutely clarity the first time I saw one and how utterly gobsmacked I was. Paris 1988, Plâce d'Iena, about 6pm. A man parked, stepped out, closed the door and walked away while I stood rooted and my jaw hanging.

[Maaz]

Just wanted to say that the quality of the videos is insane.

[d_a_nguyen]

Well come to think of it I realised how did I became a BMW fanatic (fanboy), ifI remember my very first ever BMW I seen on the road was outside my school as an 9 year old kid back in 1990 which at the time was a Z1 in the same green colour & funky classy cool looks that inspired me to the core throughout my youth. An decade & so later, my first car was a E30 318i that became the perfect passion of joy & lifestyle but I still thinking about was that a green Z1 driving pass me & why haven’t I seen one on the road again in Australia. I swear it was a Z1 that got my complete attention cause it’s was a uncommon yet unusual short looking topless doorless gorgeous body of the driving machine I ever first witnessed in my life. 😱👍😍

[ISirSmoke]

the Z3 is a bond car too, it was in Goldeneye

[bicyclist]

I'm old enough to remember when the Z1 was new. I remember reading about it in the car magazines. I love the look. I hope to be able to afford one some day. Thank you.

[eriksantoso]

The z8 was one of my favourite bimmer of all time

[frankmaeder]

A friend of mine had one which i could drive sometimes. I remember driving about 140 km/h (about 87 miles per hour) on the Swiss Autobahn - with doors down. that was really a great feeling. almost like sitting in a go-kart. Loved it.

[HH_Yee]

I like this series even more than the actual TV show.

[GGN-]

The definition of a Roadster.
Thanks for reviewing it.

[BradTech.]

I hope to see more of this back from BMW

[timbre]

Super video, love it; the subject and the presentation. More classic BMWs please

[theblueeyes]

This guys brilliant top gear should promote him and give him paddy McGuinness role 👍

[maxjelley]

Gotta say jack has really REALLY come in to his own I just love watching him, and I love the z1 too

[maxwiesner]

My grandpa has red one and in summer he often takes me somewhere with it. Love that car